'''The Tolkien Society''' is an international fan club and educational charity based in England. Founded in [[1969]] with the blessing of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], it has expanded its membership across the United Kingdom, Europe and the world.

'''The Tolkien Society''' is an international fan club and educational charity based in England. Founded in [[1969]] with the blessing of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], it has expanded its membership across the United Kingdom, Europe and the world.

==History==

==History==

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The Tolkien Society was formed in 1969 by [[Vera Chapman]], an [[University of Oxford|Oxford]]-educated retired teacher/civil servant, who, horrified at the annexation of Tolkien's works by "hippies and drop-outs" decided to form a group dedicated to the true appreciation of Tolkien's works.

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The Tolkien Society was formed in 1969 by [[Vera Chapman]], an [[University of Oxford|Oxford]]-educated retired teacher/civil servant, who, horrified at the annexation of Tolkien's works by 'the drugs-orientated writings of hippiedom',<ref>[[Charles Noad|Charles E. Noad]], 'The Early Days of the Tolkien Society', [[A Long-expected Party: Progress Report 1|''A Long-expected Party: Progress Report'' 1]], p. 10</ref> decided to form a group dedicated to the true appreciation of Tolkien's works.

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Initially London-based, the Society would meet in Chapman's North London flat; they kept in communication via a photocopied newsletter called "[[Belladonna's Broadsheet]]" (Chapman had adopted the name ''[[Belladonna Took]]'' as her Middle-earth alias).

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On [[6 November]] [[1969]], Chapman announced the formation of the Tolkien Society in the United Kingdom in the ''New Statesman''.<ref name="CGII">{{CG|II}}, p. 287</ref> Initially London-based, the Society would meet in Chapman's North London flat; they kept in communication via a photocopied newsletter called ''[[Belladonna's Broadsheet]]'' (Chapman had adopted the name "[[Belladonna Took]]" as her Middle-earth alias), which was first published in December 1969.<ref name="CGII"/> The Society's inaugural meeting was held in January [[1970]],<ref name="CGII"/> and its constitution was ratified on [[15 January]] [[1972]].

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The Society grew steadily, and Chapman willingly passed over responsibility for the bulletin to other hands whilst a more scholarly publication, "[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]" also appeared. Belladonna's Broadsheet went through a number of identity changes, being "Henneth Annun" for one issue before its then editor, John Martin, adopted its current name: "[[Amon Hen (journal)|Amon Hen]]".

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The Tolkien Society grew steadily, and Chapman willingly passed over responsibility for the bulletin to other hands whilst a more scholarly publication, "[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]" also appeared. ''Belladonna's Broadsheet'' went through a number of identity changes, being "Henneth Annun" for one issue before its then editor, John Martin, adopted its current name: "[[Amon Hen (journal)|Amon Hen]]".

−

The Society also undertook a pilgrimage to Oxford, exploring the colleges and sites relevant to J.R.R. Tolkien's life. Visit was made to Wolvercote Cemetery where wreaths in tribute were laid. At that first visit, it was found that a wild bramble had rooted in the topsoil of the grave. This was rapidly uprooted, and the Society offered to buy a rose plant, the offer of which [[Priscilla Tolkien]] - Tolkien's only daughter - accepted. The weekend event culminated with a visit to the home of Priscilla Tolkien.

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The Society also undertook a pilgrimage to [[Oxford]], exploring the colleges and sites relevant to J.R.R. Tolkien's life. Visit was made to [[Wolvercote Cemetery]] where wreaths in tribute were laid. At that first visit, it was found that a wild bramble had rooted in the topsoil of the grave. This was rapidly uprooted, and the Society offered to buy a rose plant, the offer of which [[Priscilla Tolkien]] - Tolkien's only daughter - accepted. The weekend event culminated with a visit to the home of Priscilla Tolkien.

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==President==

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==Relations with J.R.R. Tolkien==

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Vera Chapman was invited to a lunch by [[Rayner Unwin]], where she met Tolkien himself. At the lunch she invited him to become President of the Society, and also presented him with a handsome tobacco jar, filled with his favourite leaf. J.R.R. Tolkien graciously agreed to the presidency of the Society; on his death, the other family members who were in touch with the Society suggested that he remain Honorary President "in perpetuo" and this was gladly accepted by the Society, with Priscilla Tolkien becoming Honorary Vice President.

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In 1972 [[wikipedia:New Year Honours|New Year Honours]], Tolkien was made a [[Wikipedia:Order of the British Empire|C.B.E.]] (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) just two days before his birthday. [[Allen and Unwin|Allen & Unwin]] had encouraged the Tolkien Society to write to Tolkien on the occasion, and they sent the following telegram:

The Tolkien Society publishes ''[[Amon Hen (journal)|Amon Hen]]'' six times a year and the more scholarly ''[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]'' twice a year.

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==Events==

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The Society also published a congratulatory message in ''The Times'' on the [[3 January]] in the 'BIRTHDAYS' section: "''TOLKIEN. Professor J. R. R. Tolkien, C.B.E. Congratulations on your 80th birthday. 'Elen sila lumenn' omentielmo.' The Tolkien Society.''" As a birthday present, the Society also sent him a green china tobacco jar - designed with a huntsman and a white deer - which included best Latakia Mixture tobacco; attached was the following note:

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The Tolkien Society organizes the following events annually:

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*September: the [[Oxonmoot]] at one of Oxford's colleges.<ref>http://www.tolkiensociety.org/oxon/ (accessed 07-12-2011)</ref>

Throughout the year Smials (e.g. local chapters) of the Tolkien Society also meet throughout the world.

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The '''[[Oxonmoot]]''' grew to be an annual event, and in subsequent years other members of the Tolkien family, including two of the Professor's sons: [[John Tolkien|Fr John]], the Catholic priest, and [[Michael Tolkien|Michael]], a teacher based in Lancashire, also met with Tolkien Society members.

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{{blockquote|FROM all Hobbits, Elves, Elf-friends, Dwarves, Ents, Numenoreans, Rohirrim, etc. etc. etc. of the TOLKIEN SOCIETY (in Britain) with love and honour and hearty congratulations, to the creator of so much wonder. Although not to be compared with the true LONGBOTTOM LEAF, we hope that this will at least raise a few smoke-rings of happy recollection.<br/>THE TOLKIEN SOCIETY|The Tolkien Society's message to J.R.R. Tolkien on his birthday<ref name="Mallorn50-21"/>}}

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Other annual events include the '''AGM & Annual Dinner''' (with guest speaker), held as part of a weekend of activities in the Spring in a different town or city in the United Kingdom each year.

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[[Joy Hill]], Tolkien's secretary, phoned Vera Chapman on the 3 January and said, "''Of all the tributes he received, this was the one that gave the greatest pleasure.''"<ref name="Mallorn50-21"/> A month later, [[Vera Chapman and the Tolkien Society 6 February 1972|he wrote to her]]:

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The '''Seminar''' consists of a program of talks on a Tolkien-related subject, in the Summer.

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{{blockquote|Dear Mrs. Chapman,<br/>May I thank you and the Tolkien Society for your good wishes and kind gift on my 80th birthday. I appreciated your generosity very much indeed.<br/>Best wishes,<br/>Yours sincerely,<br/>J.R.R. Tolkien [signed]|[[Vera Chapman and the Tolkien Society 6 February 1972|Letter from J.R.R. Tolkien to Vera Chapman]], dated [[6 February]] [[1972]]<ref name="Mallorn50-21"/>}}

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The Tolkien Society also organized unique events in recent decades, typically an anniversary around J.R.R. Tolkien and his works.

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===President===

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On the [[27 June]] [[1972]], Vera Chapman was invited to a sherry party by [[Rayner Unwin]], where she met Tolkien himself. After exchanging a few words with him about the [[Belladonna Took|belladonna]] plant, she asked if he would would be willing to be the Society's honorary president; he said "''Certainly''" before concluding, "''If I can help your society in any way, I will''."<ref name="Mallorn50-22">[[Charles E. Noad]], "The Tolkien Society - the early days" in [[Henry Gee]] (ed.) ''[[Mallorn 50]]'', p. 22</ref>

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In 1992 the Tolkien Society orchestrated the ''[[Centenary Conference]]'' in cooperation with other [[Tolkien Societies|Tolkien societies]] and scholars throughout the world.<ref>http://www.tolkiensociety.org/1992/ (accessed 07-12-2011)</ref>

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Following the death of J.R.R. Tolkien on [[2 September]] [[1973]], the Tolkien Society offered the post of Honorary President to [[Christopher Tolkien]], Tolkien's son, but Christopher declined saying he thought the his father should remain president forever. At the [[wiktionary:AGM|AGM]] on [[16 February]] [[1974]] the motion was passed that J.R.R. Tolkien should remain the Honorary President ''in perpetuo''; he remains the Society's president to this day.<ref name="Mallorn50-23">[[Charles E. Noad]], "The Tolkien Society - the early days" in [[Henry Gee]] (ed.) ''[[Mallorn 50]]'', p. 23</ref>

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In 2005 the Tolkien Society orchestrated ''[[Tolkien 2005]]'' in cooperation with other Tolkien societies and scholars throughout the world.<ref>http://www.tolkiensociety.org/2005 (accessed 07-12-2011)</ref>

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==List of Chairmen==

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The following is a list of chairmen of The Tolkien Society. ''Italic text'' indicates an acting chairman who was appointed, rather than elected.

*''[[Amon Hen (journal)|Amon Hen]]'' is the bulletin of the Society and is published six times a year.<ref name="Amon">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ts_info/amonhen.html|articlename=Amon Hen - The bulleting of the Tolkien Society|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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*''[[Mallorn (journal)|Mallorn]]'' is the journal of the Society and is currently published once a year, in the Spring.<ref name="Mallorn">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ts_info/mallorn.html|articlename=Mallorn - The Journal of the Tolkien Society|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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==Events==

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The Tolkien Society holds the following events each year:

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*'''[[Oxonmoot]]''' is a convention held at an Oxford college on the weekend closest to [[22 September]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s birthday.<ref name="Oxonmoot">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/oxon/|articlename=Oxonmoot index page|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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*'''The Annual General Meeting''' (AGM) involves a meeting where formal business (with regard to the running of the Tolkien Society) is discussed, followed by a semi-formal dinner with a guest speaker. It is held each Spring.<ref name="AGM">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/agm/|articlename=About The Annual General Meeting|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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*'''The Seminar''' is an event which consists of a programme of talks on a Tolkien-related theme. It is held most summers (around June or July).<ref name="Seminar">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/seminar/|articlename=Seminar home page|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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In 2012 the Tolkien Society will organize ''[[The Return of the Ring]]'' conference.<ref>http://www.returnofthering.org/ (accessed 07-12-2011)</ref>

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The Tolkien Society also organises large conferences in order to celebrate an anniversary around J.R.R. Tolkien and/or his works. Past events:

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*'''[[J.R.R. Tolkien Centenary Conference|The J.R.R. Tolkien Centenary Conference]]''' was held at Keble College (in [[Oxford]], England) in [[1992]]. It celebrated the centenary of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s birth. It was organised in conjunction with the [[Mythopoeic Society]] and was a combination of Oxonmoot 1992 and Mythcon XXIII.<ref name="Centenary">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/1992/index.html|articlename=Tolkien Centenary Conference 1992|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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*'''[[Tolkien 2005|Tolkien 2005: The Ring Goes Ever On]]''' was held at Aston University (in Birmingham, England) in [[2005]]. It celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the complete publication of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref name="Tolkien2005">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/2005/about.html|articlename=Aboust Tolkien 2005|website=[http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ The Tolkien Society]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

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*'''[[The Return of the Ring|The Return of the Ring: Celebrating Tolkien in 2012]]''' was held at Loughborough University (in Leicestershire, England) in [[2012]]. It celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the publication of ''[[The Hobbit]]''.<ref name="Return">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.returnofthering.org/index.php|articlename=The Return of the Ring - Celebrating Tolkien in 2012|website=[http://www.returnofthering.org/ The Return of the Ring]|accessed=07-August-2012}}</ref>

The Tolkien Society is an international fan club and educational charity based in England. Founded in 1969 with the blessing of J.R.R. Tolkien, it has expanded its membership across the United Kingdom, Europe and the world.

Contents

History

The Tolkien Society was formed in 1969 by Vera Chapman, an Oxford-educated retired teacher/civil servant, who, horrified at the annexation of Tolkien's works by 'the drugs-orientated writings of hippiedom',[4] decided to form a group dedicated to the true appreciation of Tolkien's works.

On 6 November1969, Chapman announced the formation of the Tolkien Society in the United Kingdom in the New Statesman.[5] Initially London-based, the Society would meet in Chapman's North London flat; they kept in communication via a photocopied newsletter called Belladonna's Broadsheet (Chapman had adopted the name "Belladonna Took" as her Middle-earth alias), which was first published in December 1969.[5] The Society's inaugural meeting was held in January 1970,[5] and its constitution was ratified on 15 January1972.

The Tolkien Society grew steadily, and Chapman willingly passed over responsibility for the bulletin to other hands whilst a more scholarly publication, "Mallorn" also appeared. Belladonna's Broadsheet went through a number of identity changes, being "Henneth Annun" for one issue before its then editor, John Martin, adopted its current name: "Amon Hen".

The Society also undertook a pilgrimage to Oxford, exploring the colleges and sites relevant to J.R.R. Tolkien's life. Visit was made to Wolvercote Cemetery where wreaths in tribute were laid. At that first visit, it was found that a wild bramble had rooted in the topsoil of the grave. This was rapidly uprooted, and the Society offered to buy a rose plant, the offer of which Priscilla Tolkien - Tolkien's only daughter - accepted. The weekend event culminated with a visit to the home of Priscilla Tolkien.

Relations with J.R.R. Tolkien

In 1972 New Year Honours, Tolkien was made a C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) just two days before his birthday. Allen & Unwin had encouraged the Tolkien Society to write to Tolkien on the occasion, and they sent the following telegram:

CONGRATULATIONS ON 80TH BIRTHDAY AND HONOUR. ANOTHER 50 YEARS TO BEAT THE OLD TOOK.THE TOLKIEN SOCIETY (IN BRITAIN)—The Tolkien Society's telegram to J.R.R. Tolkien[6]

The Society also published a congratulatory message in The Times on the 3 January in the 'BIRTHDAYS' section: "TOLKIEN. Professor J. R. R. Tolkien, C.B.E. Congratulations on your 80th birthday. 'Elen sila lumenn' omentielmo.' The Tolkien Society." As a birthday present, the Society also sent him a green china tobacco jar - designed with a huntsman and a white deer - which included best Latakia Mixture tobacco; attached was the following note:

FROM all Hobbits, Elves, Elf-friends, Dwarves, Ents, Numenoreans, Rohirrim, etc. etc. etc. of the TOLKIEN SOCIETY (in Britain) with love and honour and hearty congratulations, to the creator of so much wonder. Although not to be compared with the true LONGBOTTOM LEAF, we hope that this will at least raise a few smoke-rings of happy recollection.THE TOLKIEN SOCIETY—The Tolkien Society's message to J.R.R. Tolkien on his birthday[6]

Joy Hill, Tolkien's secretary, phoned Vera Chapman on the 3 January and said, "Of all the tributes he received, this was the one that gave the greatest pleasure."[6] A month later, he wrote to her:

President

On the 27 June1972, Vera Chapman was invited to a sherry party by Rayner Unwin, where she met Tolkien himself. After exchanging a few words with him about the belladonna plant, she asked if he would would be willing to be the Society's honorary president; he said "Certainly" before concluding, "If I can help your society in any way, I will."[7]

Following the death of J.R.R. Tolkien on 2 September1973, the Tolkien Society offered the post of Honorary President to Christopher Tolkien, Tolkien's son, but Christopher declined saying he thought the his father should remain president forever. At the AGM on 16 February1974 the motion was passed that J.R.R. Tolkien should remain the Honorary President in perpetuo; he remains the Society's president to this day.[8]

List of Chairmen

The following is a list of chairmen of The Tolkien Society. Italic text indicates an acting chairman who was appointed, rather than elected.

Events

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) involves a meeting where formal business (with regard to the running of the Tolkien Society) is discussed, followed by a semi-formal dinner with a guest speaker. It is held each Spring.[12]

The Seminar is an event which consists of a programme of talks on a Tolkien-related theme. It is held most summers (around June or July).[13]

The Tolkien Society also organises large conferences in order to celebrate an anniversary around J.R.R. Tolkien and/or his works. Past events: